Are you planning on getting a new pet in the near future? There are several steps that you can take to help a new pet adjust to your home. By taking these steps, you will be able to ensure that your pet can be eased into their new life in your home. It is also important to be considerate of any existing pets that you may have to help them have the best introduction possible. Here are a few tips for helping a new pet adjust to your home.
Get the Supplies you Need
You’ll want to make sure that you get all of the supplies that you need before you bring your new pet home. You probably won’t want to leave them for the store immediately after getting them. Taking them with can add to their stress levels! Getting the supplies that you need in advance can help you to be prepared for the arrival of your new pet. Make sure that you get food and water bowls for your new pet. It is important to make sure these are unused, as the scent of another animal can cause them stress. You’ll also want to purchase food and treats for them.
Get a collar with an ID tag that has your contact information on it. You will also want to ensure that you have a bed to help keep your new pet comfortable. Toys can help offset their stress and keep them entertained. It is also important to get a brush for careful grooming. Cats will need a scratching post and dogs will need a leash and poop bags for walks.
Take Care with their Diet
Quickly changing your pet’s diet can cause them to develop stomach problems. You will want to ensure that you find out the kind of food they have been eating previously. If you intend to get them on a different type of food, you will want to transition them slowly to this new diet. This will aid in preventing digestion problems that may otherwise occur.
Confine to a Smaller Space
It is often best to help your new pet adjust by confining them to a smaller space initially. Keep in mind that many pets in shelters are kept in minimal space, so a complete house or apartment can be overwhelming. You can confine them to a single room for a few days or until they appear relaxed and comfortable. Then you can slowly provide them with access to additional areas in your home. It is also important to ensure that you provide multiple hiding spaces or a separate, private space for them. This will give them a place to retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Don’t Force Interaction
Forcing interaction will likely just make your pet more stressed. Though it is natural to want to form a fast bond with your new pet, it is important to be patient with them and give them whatever space they need. If you want to coax them to you, you can play with interactive toys or offer them treats.
Ensure All Existing Pets are Healthy
If you already have pets in your home, it is important to ensure that they are healthy before you bring a new pet home. Make sure that your pets are up to date on their vaccinations and are free of any health concerns.
Introduce Pets Slowly
It is also important to ensure that you introduce new pets to your pets slowly. Ensure that you have spent a good deal of time supervising their interactions before you leave them alone together. It may also be beneficial to switch beds or do other small things to get them used to each other’s scents.
Helping a new pet adjust to your home can help you to keep them comfortable. It is important to be patient during this process. While it’s natural to want to form a bond with them as quickly as possible, you need to be conscious of the extreme changes that are occurring in their life during this time. By taking the process slowly and providing them with safe spaces, you can help to ease their transition to your home. It is also important to have your new pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure that they are healthy and up to date on vaccinations. To learn more about how to help a new pet adjust to your home, contact us at Skyline Animal Hospital today!